Al Pacino has entered the domain of supernatural horror with his latest project, THE RITUAL, as revealed in a chilling new trailer released ahead of the film’s anticipated 2025 premiere. The seasoned actor portrays a priest caught in the harrowing battle against demonic forces, employing what appears to be traditional exorcism methods that have become a staple of possession thrillers since The Exorcist rattled audiences decades ago.
The trailer showcases Pacino alongside Dan Stevens, who plays a fellow man of the cloth with significantly different approaches to dealing with the supernatural threat. Their contrasting methodologies—Pacino’s character seemingly adhering to orthodox rituals while Stevens opts for more contemporary techniques—create a palpable tension that drives the narrative forward, offering more than just your run-of-the-mill jump scares.
At the center of their spiritual tug-of-war is a young woman, presumably possessed by malevolent entities that require both priests’ expertise to expel. Ashley Greene rounds out the main cast, though her exact role remains somewhat shrouded in mystery, much like the darker corners of the film’s atmospheric setting.
A young woman’s possession becomes the battleground for two priests, while Greene’s enigmatic presence lurks in the shadows.
Visual effects punctuate the trailer’s most intense moments, with flashes of supernatural occurrences and bodily contortions that have become the bread and butter of the possession subgenre. The camera work, leaning heavily on claustrophobic angles and shadowy compositions, amplifies the sense of dread that permeates each frame.
THE RITUAL marks an interesting career choice for Pacino, who rarely ventures into straightforward horror territory. His gravitas brings an immediate legitimacy to the proceedings, while Stevens—who has demonstrated considerable range since his Downton Abbey days—provides a perfect foil for the veteran actor’s intensity.
The trailer has already generated substantial buzz online, with horror aficionados dissecting every frame for clues about the film’s approach to its demonic subject matter. If the preview is any indication, audiences can expect a psychological thriller that examines not just the supernatural, but the very human conflicts of faith and methodology when confronting the inexplicable.
The film’s use of dissonant notes and drones in its score effectively builds tension throughout the trailer, following time-tested techniques horror filmmakers have long employed to maximize audience fear.